Series 2a SWB build up

[Spalm89]

Hello all,

I am new to these forums and new to being a Land Rover owner. I have recently come into ownership of a Series 2a SWB.

The engine number is 24319006G, I am yet to record the chassis number.

So far the history that I Know of this thing is, it sat around on a farm for a few years when an apprentice at work bought it 6 months ago and has been bush bashing it.

Plans are to do a full chassis restoration as there is a fair bit of rust in there. Is it common for the front spring hangers to completely rust off?

The engine is a 2.25 petrol, starts first time (needs new battery) and seems to run fairly smooth. Has a few leaks but thats to be expected.

Only major mechanical malfunction is the brakes. The rear wheel cylinders have a severe leak, and the previous owner decided it would be a good idea to cut the brake line at the master cylinder and weld of the ends. So it only has the handbrake to stop the vehicle... which is on its way out due to that fact.

Pictures will be up within the next few days.

I am really looking forward to getting this to roadworthy condition as I have always loved the loom of these bad boys.

Cheers, Sean

[d@rk51d3]

Welcome aboard

Don't forget the piccies.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Hi Sean

Rust in the front dumb irons and spring hangers is common, however if they've rusted off it may be cheaper in the long run to start with a better chassis. Look for one from west of the ranges because they don't experience so much rain and less likely to have been driven on beaches, hence less rust.

Diana

[Spalm89]

Thanks for the replies.

I have found a few places that are selling replacement front legs that have the hanger attached. Also various other brackets and outriggers too.

Is there anywhere in Aus that sells new chassis'? I found a few sites, but they are all based in the UK.

Cheers for all the help,

Sean

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Sean

In the UK they salt the roads in winter and that promotes a lot of rust, out here we don't have the same problems and so no one commercially manufactures replacement chassis.

As I mentioned, it is often cheaper to find another similar vehicle and use the chassis off it. If you acquire one of the same vintage, you can then use the best bits off each to make one.

The only reason that you may want to repair a chassis is if the vehicle has some significance to you or is particularly historic. (Like Tom Cruze's Leyland Badger - of Birdsville postman fame - or one of the Landys used by Len Beadel)

Diana

[wagoo]

Or is particularly historic. (Like Tom Cruze's Leyland Badger - of Birdsville postman fame - or one of the Landys used by Len Beadel)

Diana

Sorry,a bit OT, but would you have a link that explains the specs and modifications that Tom did to the badger.All I know is that it had a British War Department designed Thornycroft rear bogie and 2 sp joey box, but none of the other details.
Wagoo.
Edit, must remember to always Google first. I found the info I wanted , Thanks.
Wagoo.

[Spalm89]

I have found an ex-military SWB. Apparently it has a heavy duty chassis and suspension.

My question is; are the two chassis interchangeable, for example, are engine/gearbox mounts the same? Will the body mounts be identical?

And i haven't forgot about the pics. They're coming, my brother lost the cord to download the pictures off the camera to the computer.

Cheers,
Sean

[JDNSW]

I have found an ex-military SWB. Apparently it has a heavy duty chassis and suspension.

My question is; are the two chassis interchangeable, for example, are engine/gearbox mounts the same? Will the body mounts be identical?

And i haven't forgot about the pics. They're coming, my brother lost the cord to download the pictures off the camera to the computer.

Cheers,
Sean

Chassis are interchangeable. I presume that the military one has extended dumb irons and a military rear cross member. But virtually everything will just bolt onto it, excepting, of course any modifications that may have been made, for example, to fit a different engine.

Note that the vehicle identity legally goes with the chassis, so if you use the military chassis, that is the vehicle identity.

John

[UncleHo]

G'day Spalm89

You will need to get/keep the receipts for both your vehicle and the replacement chassis with both of them in your name, as you will have to submit them as proof of ownership when you take it to Qld Transport for rego. and the vehicle as JDNSW states will take the status/model year of the donor chassis, if it is a genuine Army chassis then a check on the REMLR.com site will possibly give you the year and old army rego number


cheers

[Spalm89]

G'day,

Just a quick update, started stripping my Land Rover, so far most of the body looks ok, chassis is far gone.

Purchasing a military spec SWB, picking it up in a fortnight.

Heres a few photos as promised.

Cheers,
Sean